[Elecraft] WA3WSJ: DX & Pileups

[Edward R. Breneiser]

Hello all,

I guess I'll give my two cents worth concerning DX and pileups.
I've operated as WA3WSJ/KP4, WA3WSJ/C6A, V26ED and VP5ED. I used the
WA3WSJ/C6A call around twelve times. Almost all of these Dxpeditions
were for CW contests such as CQWWCW. When I operated as VP5ED, I had
over 1200 QS in 48 hours using my K2 at 5w (s/n 321). Here is what a DX
operator is listening for: Any SEMI-CLEAR SPOT!

When you call cq as a needed dx station, the fun starts after you are
called out on a few reflectors. All the Dx operator hears is a buzzing
sound in his headset. He tries to pull something from this hornets nest
by:

1. Reducing the RF Gain on the rig to work the big boys and get them off
the pile first. If you hear him working the strong ones - wait.
2. I moved my RIT control around some. I liked to listen below my
sending frequency as most listen above. I must admit that I sometimes
was listening 1-2kz away from my sending frequency.
3. The most important thing to do is LISTEN!
4. If the Dx station stops sending, don't keep sending your call.
Sometimes we go to the bathroom, get a drink etc.
5. If the DX operator is listening say 1kz away, PLEASE DON"T SEND ON
HIS TX FREQUENCY!  This happens all the time when a newbie to the pile
DOESN'T LISTEN. All it does is slow down his rate.
6. If you don't hear the DX station, wait a minute or two then look for
him somewhere close by. I have had to move away from a huge pile because
I no longer had control of it using 5w. Don't worry the pile will find
him VERY quickly. 

These are just a few of the tricks of a DX Operator. I could write a
book on my experiences of operating as DX. I always had a fun time and
got to see new countries and meet new people. If you never have operated
as DX - what are you waiting for! I can't tell you how many hams have
said to me, " I'm gonna to that some day." Well folks some day never
came because they died before getting the opportunity to do it! Don't
let this happen to YOU. Well, that's my two cents.

72,
Ed, WA3WSJ